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Kia Seltos: compact SUV, engines and trims
Kia Seltos — compact city SUV, launched in 2019. Sold in India, Korea, the US, the Middle East and other markets, but not officially in Europe. We cover the generations, engines and trims.
Seltos in brief
The Seltos is a compact SUV slotting in between the Kia Stonic and Sportage. It offers more space than a small city SUV but remains a manageable size for urban driving.
Since it's not officially sold in Europe, in Lithuania you'll mostly find imported cars from the US, Korea or other markets.
Which generation to choose
The first generation (from 2019) is most commonly found on the market; it was refreshed around 2022–2023. A newer generation was unveiled at the end of 2025 and is barely seen in the used market so far.
If you're after a more affordable option, go for the first generation; if cutting-edge technology is key, look at the newer versions.
Engines and transmissions
Different markets offer 2.0-litre and 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines, while in India there's also a 1.5-litre petrol, turbo petrol and diesel. Transmissions include manual, CVT or dual-clutch automatic.
Drive is front-wheel or all-wheel, depending on the version and market.
What to check when buying a used Seltos
Check the transmission's operation: dual-clutch and CVT boxes shouldn't hesitate or vibrate. In turbo versions, check for oil leaks from the turbo.
Check the history of an imported car by its VIN, registration number, and compliance with European standards. Test the multimedia and assistance systems.
Trim levels
Trim names vary by market; in the US, the LX, S, EX, SX and X-Line are offered.
LX
First generationBase trim.
- Often — 16-inch wheels
- Base multimedia
- Often — basic driver assistance systems
S
First generationMid-range trim with more equipment.
- Often — a larger screen
- Often — lightweight alloy wheels
- Often — additional safety systems
EX
First generationPopular trim with more comfort features.
- Often — leather upholstery
- Often — heated seats
- Often comes with parking sensors
SX
First generationHigher trim with turbo engine
- Often comes with a 1.6 turbo engine
- Often comes with 18-inch alloy wheels
- Often comes with an advanced sound system
X-Line
First generationMore off-road capable version
- Often comes with four-wheel drive
- Often comes with darkened exterior elements
- Often comes with special interior accents
Trim comparison
| LX | EX | SX | X-Line | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For everyday use | For comfort | For more dynamic driving | For a rugged look |
| Most common searches | 16-inch wheels | 17-inch wheels | 18-inch wheels | 17-inch wheels |
| Interior | Fabric upholstery | Leather or part-leather upholstery | Full leather upholstery | Leather with accents |
| Engine | 2.0-litre | 2.0-litre | 1.6-litre turbo | 2.0-litre or 1.6-litre turbo |
| Relative price in the used market | Price | €€ | €€ | €€ |
Many buyers will like the EX with the 2.0 engine. If you want more dynamism, go for the SX with the turbo engine.
Pros
- A practical compact saloon
- Lots of kit for the money
- Comfortable for city driving and long journeys
- A wide range of engines
Cons
- Not officially sold in Europe
- The 2.0 version isn't particularly dynamic
- Parts might take a while to arrive
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia Seltos sold in Europe?
No. In Europe, Kia offers other compact SUVs, such as the Stonic and Sportage. In Lithuania, the Seltos can be found as an imported car.
What engines does the Seltos have?
Different markets offer the 2.0 and 1.6 turbo petrol engines, and in India, there's a diesel option.
Does the Seltos have four-wheel drive?
Yes, some versions and markets offer four-wheel drive, especially in the USA.
Updated 2026-10-14 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
